THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Dive into a 2-hour masterclass at Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh, crafting three gin cocktails paired with six Scottish farmhouse cheeses. Discover the artistry and history behind these local favorites in an intimate, expert-led setting.
Dive into a 2-hour masterclass at Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh, crafting three gin cocktails paired with six Scottish farmhouse cheeses. Discover the artistry and history behind these local favorites in an intimate, expert-led setting.
Book with Summerhall Distillery
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Summerhall Distillery · Edinburgh, Scotland
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, Summerhall Distillery offers a distinctive two-hour Cheese & Cocktails: A Pairing Masterclass that merges the precision of cocktail craft with the robust flavors of Scottish farmhouse cheeses. Edinburgh’s vibrant culinary scene is given a unique twist here, where guests step beyond the usual outdoor adventures and engage in a sensory-rich experience that celebrates Scotland’s artisanal spirit and cheese heritage.
Located at 1 Summerhall Square in Newington, the distillery occupies a historic building where guests are immersed in the atmosphere of an active spirit production site. This masterclass is led by expert mixologists and cheese connoisseurs, guiding participants through the creation of three inventive gin cocktails crafted from local botanicals. Alongside, you sample six distinctive cheeses sourced from I.G Mellis, a renowned Edinburgh cheesemonger known for their authentic farmhouse varieties including creamy cheddars and sharp blues.
Beyond the tasting, the masterclass reveals the craftsmanship behind both gin distillation and cheesemaking, tracing their place in Scotland's cultural fabric. Participants witness the artistry of cocktail blending while savoring nuanced food pairings designed to enhance every sip and bite.
While the distillery itself is not wheelchair accessible due to historic stairs, its intimate setting with a maximum of eight guests facilitates personalized instruction and lively conversation. This experience stands apart from typical outdoor activities in Edinburgh, providing a creative, engaging alternative that pairs tradition with innovation.
Whether you're a local or traveler seeking a refined indoor excursion infused with local flavor, the Cheese & Cocktails masterclass at Summerhall Distillery offers a memorable journey into Scotland’s finest artisan tastes without leaving the city. It’s a must-do for those who appreciate the craft behind the culinary and beverage worlds.
easy.
2 hours.
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels
No. Due to licensing and safety concerns, only guests 18 years and older may attend.
Yes, gluten-free crackers can be requested in advance to accommodate gluten intolerance.
No. The tasting room requires climbing stairs and does not have alternative access.
No pets are permitted inside the distillery for health and safety reasons.
Group sizes are kept small, with a maximum of eight participants to ensure personalized attention.
You may inquire at Summerhall Distillery about local retailers for gin and cheese, but the session itself focuses on tasting and learning.
Summerhall Distillery operates within a renovated historic building once serving as a veterinary college, adding cultural depth to the tasting experience.
The distillery emphasizes sustainable practices in spirit production and partners with local suppliers to support regional agriculture and reduce environmental impact.
Summerhall Distillery is an independent distillery and visitor experience based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The distillery offers a range of guided tours, tastings and masterclasses that showcase small-batch gins, whiskies and cocktail craft. Visitors can join intimate whisky tastings that highlight Scotland’s flavours and folklore, explore the history and production of Pickering’s Gin, or attend hands-on cocktail masterclasses held in a historic distillery setting. Experiences include themed events such as a Roaring 20s speakeasy evening, a Scottish tapas-style food and whisky pairing, a guided distillery tour with a complimentary G&T, and educational sessions on hand-bottling and spirit-making. The venue partners with local producers for curated food pairings—smoked salmon, cured meats and farmhouse cheeses feature in specific tasting menus—while expert hosts explain flavour profiles, production methods and cultural context. Summerhall Distillery emphasizes small-batch production and craft techniques. Guests often taste multiple expressions, take home miniature bottles from guided tastings, and leave with practical mixology skills after masterclasses. Tours and events are led by trained guides and mixologists who combine storytelling with technical demonstrations, creating an engaging experience for both visitors and members. The distillery’s programme includes private member welcome tours that offer a personalised look at spirit craftsmanship. Summerhall Distillery provides accessible booking for each listed experience, making it a reliable choice for visitors seeking authentic Scottish spirits and expert-led tasting events. Many experiences include storytelling, practical distillation demonstrations during tours, tasting notes and sometimes a miniature bottle to take home, helping guests remember production details and tasting impressions after the visit.
Book with Summerhall Distillery